Letter: Sheboygan Falls school referendum different than in 2006

April 2 draws closer, several people have asked me specifically why I now support the proposed referendum on a new middle school when I didn't support the 2006 referendum for a new middle school. There are several important reasons why I feel now is the time to move forward.

In 2006, the district still had nearly 10 years left before the existing debt on the elementary school would begin to drop off, which didn't allow the district much flexibility with the financing. The 2006 referendum was for $21,475,000 with an estimated tax increase of $222 for every $100,000 of property value.

The April 2 proposal this year for $33.8 million is estimated to cost taxpayers an additional $94 per $100,000 of property value. You will be paying $126 less than you would have in 2006 on a $100,000 home. Interest rates are at historic lows right now, which helps lower cost. In 2006, the board decided to move forward rather quickly for a new middle school and I felt they had not explored all options.

This time, the school board has spent more than three years studying our needs, evaluating options, searching for land, and reaching out to the community. I also feel that compared to the proposed site for the new middle school in 2006, locating the middle school adjacent to the elementary school makes sense and the community supported this site in the survey conducted last fall.

If for any reason I would think this project was not right I would have voted against it. However, without a doubt, I feel this is finally the right project, at the right price at the right time. I'm voting yes this time and I hope you will too.

Tom Bigler

Sheboygan Falls

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Letter: Sheboygan Falls school referendum different than in 2006

April 2 draws closer, several people have asked me specifically why I now support the proposed referendum on a new middle school when I didn't support the 2006 referendum for a new middle school.

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